(Picture: ITV)Ashley Thomas and Laurel Dingle will prepare to re-marry in a forthcoming storyline, it has been confirmed – but whether or not the day will have a happy ending remains to be seen.

The couple have endured serious heartache of late, with Ashley being diagnosed with dementia and Laurel bleeding heavily after the discovery that she was pregnant. But, sticking together through the long haul of their uncertain future, the pair prepare to tie the knot in a day that will throw up a few surprises – and warm and ache the heart in equal measure.

Teasing the episodes which will air next month, producer Iain MacLeod told said: ‘I’m very personally invested in Ashley’s story – it’s everything that the show does well. It’s heartbreaking but deals with human experiences and huge emotional stakes.

‘We’re running at least until the end of this year and possibly beyond if we can find enough chapters for it. For me, it’s my favourite kind of story. At the core, it’s a love story even though it’s based on a medical issue. It’s based on love, loyalty and loss. There’s tonnes of warmth and humanity to get from it. The next big chapter is their wedding and that has an interesting twist within it.

(Picture: ITV)‘It’s a poignant, sad, joyous and complicated day. I’m so looking forward to the episodes. As much as Kate set the ball rolling, it’s heartwarming, heartbreaking and gorgeous. That’s one of the big 2016 stories.’